Its VJD and not Duckworth-Lewis at ICL
November 28, 2007 • Indian Cricket League
The Indian Cricket League (ICL) has gone one step further and introduced an Indian system of calculating the target in interrupted matches instead of the dreaded Duckworth-Lewis method. The VJD stands for the name of its inventor the Kerala-based engineer V JayaDevan. The 44 year old has put up a system after studying the patterns of the past matches. He calims that his method is superior than the exisiting DL method. The VJD system is based on a mathematical model of the natural development of an innings through its various stages of settling down, making use of field restrictions, mid stages of stabilising, acceleration towards the end and the final ’slog’ overs.
Based on the general scoring pattern and research of past matches, a ‘normal’ statistical curve has been developed. Regression analysis was carried out using ’spread sheet’ software and a cubical polynomial equation was used for determining the scoring pattern.
Putting all this into use, Jayadevan has generated a ‘target curve’. He also provides a ‘target table’ where the revised target can be computed depending on the percentage of total overs that were completed for different percentages of wickets. To make the entire process easy, a computer programme has been devised.
The work on the VJD System was started in 1998 and got a proper shape in 2001. Jayadevan’s system will come under closer scrutiny from the ICC before a decision is made on whether to deploy it internationally in place of the DL method.
With its inclusion in the ICL the VJD system got its shot in the arm. Renowned Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has commended the job done by Jayadevan. As usual the BCCI is taking a closer look at the system now even when it is lying in its back yard for more than five years waiting for some one to back its credentials.